Athletic Directors and Head Coaches,
As we enter the month of January, the pandemic continues to be a strong presence across Texas. With the increase in case numbers, our member schools and coaches must continue to enforce rules that help prevent the spread of the disease. Our protocols that have been in place last fall continue to be in place and amended as outlined below.
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Maximum Occupancy – presently for outdoor events shall be no more than 50% of capacity. The maximum may be reduced by local ordinance, local orders or by school determination. As a reminder this is a maximum and we encourage schools to limit the fans onsite as best possible.
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Maximum Occupancy – TAPPS leadership continues to review information from across the state and nationally. If the present trends continue, schools should be prepared to reduce occupancy to a maximum of 25% if necessitated by the pandemic conditions.
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Fans
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Face Coverings for Outdoor Events – Face coverings are required of all fans when
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Entering and Exiting the Facility
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In common areas – bathrooms, concession areas
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When not socially distanced in excess of six feet
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Fan Access – Fans are not allowed in the playing area prior to, during or after contests. Fans should remain in the stands at all times and not inside the playing area. This is the hardest part of control and the one in which we need the most attention.
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Team Personnel
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Head Coach
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Head Coaches are highly encouraged to wear face coverings during the contests when in the dugout or dugout entrances
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Head Coaches are required to wear face coverings
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Prior to and after contests
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When meeting or conversing with officials
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When coaching first or third base.
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Assistant Coaches
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Face coverings are required at all times when inside the playing area and dugouts
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This requirement shall be applied prior to, during and after contests
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Other team personnel including managers and trainers
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Face coverings are required at all times when inside the playing area and dugouts
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This requirement shall be applied prior to, during and after contests
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Players
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Players are required to wear face coverings when
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Entering the playing area
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When on the Bench / in the dugout
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When Exiting the Playing Area
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Attending pregame meetings with officials
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Players may, but are not required to, wear face coverings
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When warming up
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When participating in the contest
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Contest Officials
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Face covering requirements shall be in keeping with arrangements made between the host school and the officials chapters / assignors
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The TAPPS staff will continue to monitor conditions and modifications to plans from other similar governing bodies across the nation. Please do your part in managing your teams and fans to provide the best possible chance that the seasons can continue through the championships this Spring. Please contact the TAPPS office at 254-947-9268 or by email at [email protected] should questions arise.
Bryan Bunselmeyer
Executive Director